Read Zahra's Bio
Zahra's (she/her) journey has taken her across the globe, having lived and worked or studied in Barbados, the United Kingdom, New York and Baltimore, USA, and throughout Atlantic Canada. She holds degrees from Mount Allison University, Dalhousie University, and Morgan State University.
Zahra is an architect, and principal of zzap, as well as a sessional instructor at Dalhousie University in the Faculty of Architecture and Planning. Based in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, Zahra brings a wealth of experience and a deep passion for the built environment to her work. Her research delves into the implications of climate and social justice on the built environment, with a strong focus on housing and community, social inclusion, poverty disruption, architecture and colonialism, and the challenges of post-industrial cities.
Beyond her professional life, Zahra is deeply committed to her community. She actively volunteers with the Nova Scotia Association of Architects (NSAA), is a member of the American Institute of Architects (AIA), and the National Organization of Minority Architects (NOMA). Passionate about fostering diversity within architecture and related fields, Zahra has developed a youth job shadow program to introduce African Nova Scotians and indigenous youth to architectural practice. She also hopes to establish a NOMA student chapter at Dalhousie University.
In her free time, Zahra enjoys spending time with her family, friends, and her beloved dog, Junie Jabarkus. Whether she's hiking, being near the water, listening to live music, making art or reading, Zahra is always looking for opportunities to be engaged and build community.